Nalmefene Hydrochloride, Injection

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: narcotic antagonist

Generic and brand names: nalmefene, injection; Revex

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is given by injection after surgery to reverse the effects of narcotic drugs used during surgery. It may be used in an emergency to treat a known or suspected overdose of narcotics (sometimes called opioids).

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• a head or brain injury
• heart disease
• kidney disease
• problems with drug or alcohol abuse
• seizures

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

This medicine is almost always given in a hospital or clinic.

The number of injections you need will depend on your condition and the amount of narcotic in your system.

What should I watch out for?

You will be watched very closely after you receive this medicine. If you have any trouble breathing or shortness of breath tell the healthcare provider right away.

This medicine may cause withdrawal symptoms if you have a tolerance of or a dependence on narcotics. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.

You may feel dizzy or faint when you get up quickly after sitting or lying down. Getting up slowly may help. Also, drinking alcohol may make it worse. Do not drink alcohol unless your healthcare provider approves.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Fast or irregular heartbeat; trouble breathing; seizures.

Other: Nausea; vomiting; pain; fever; dizziness; headache; tiredness.

What products might interact with this medicine?

This drug may interact with other medicines used to treat a drug overdose. To avoid problems, be sure your healthcare provider knows about all the medicines or drugs you are taking by mouth or by injection, including:

• cough medicines such as hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine (Tussionex), hydrocodone/homatropine (Hycodan), and guaifenesin/codeine (Tussi-organidin, Robitussin AC)
• flumazenil (Romazicon)
• narcotic painkillers such as buprenorphine (Subutex, Buprenex), codeine, morphine (MS Contin, Oramorph SR, Roxanol), oxycodone (Oxy-Contin), hydromorphone (Dilaudid), hydrocodone/acetaminophen (Vicodin, Lortab), oxycodone/acetaminophen (Percocet, Tylox), propoxyphene (Darvocet N-100), meperidine (Demerol), and fentanyl (Duragesic, Actiq)

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

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This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.

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Published by RelayHealth.
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